SNAPSHOT.

• Position: North Carolina legislators rank 28th in salary - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

The General Assembly lays down the law on, among other things, a state budget that reached $24.5 billion this year. In the 1990s, its 170 members passed 25% of the bills introduced.

NATIONAL RANK North Carolina legislators earn 86% less than California's the nation's best-paid, but typically are in session about half as long. Base salary 1. California $99,000 2. New York 79,500 3. Pennsylvania 57,367 4. Michigan 56,981 5. Illinois 55,778 6. Massachusetts 46,410 7. Wisconsin 44,233 8. Ohio 42,426 9. Oklahoma 38,400 10. New Jersey 35,000 28. North Carolina 13,951 Source: World Almanac, 2001 LEGISLATION The General Assembly has retified 30% of the bills introduced since 1981. The rate has dropped sharply in the last four sessions. Session Introduced Ratified [*] Rate 1981 2,567 1,528 59.5% 1983 2,718 1,227 45.1 1985 3,463 1,099 31.7 1987 4,528 1,167 25.6 1989 4,053 1,160 28.6 1991 2,990 1,133 37.9 1993 4,271 849 19.9 1995 3,089 809 26.2 1997 3,378 807 23.9 1999 3,437 684 19.9 (*.)A bill is ratified after it has passed both houses of the legislature and been signed by the presiding officers in each house. Source: N.C. General Assembly, 2000 REIMBURSEMENTS In 2000, legislators were reimbursed $1.6 million for food and lodging and $413,874 for travel. Members claiming the most in reimbursements: Total reimbursements Charlie Dannelly...